Thank You Sir Kev

Prince William leads the tributes to Sir Kevin Sinfield for his remarkable fundraising for the MND community after taking on seven incredible challenges over seven years. His Royal Highness, who joined Sinfield on this year’s challenge, has said he is in awe of him and praises his quiet leadership, stating the rugby league legend is ‘a kind caring human being, but he’s still a lunatic’.

In 2020, Sinfield went for a run after his friend and teammate Rob Burrow was diagnosed with motor neurone disease. He aimed to raise £77,777 for Rob and his family, a sum set to recognise Burrow’s number seven shirt. But just a week later, he had raised more than £2 million. It was the first of seven astonishing challenges over the next six years, which included seven ultramarathons in seven days and 101 miles in 24 hours. In total, he has raised more than £13 million.

This touching documentary, made by BBC Breakfast, reflects on what has driven 'Sir Kev'. His parents, Ray and Beryl, talk about his upbringing and introduction to sport.

Former England rugby union captain Lewis Moody and ex-Premier League footballer Marcus Stewart talk about the difference he has made. Moody reveals Sinfield was one of the first people he spoke to when he was diagnosed with MND, while Stewart tells how Kevin rallied a whole community behind him.

Rob Burrow’s wife Lindsey reminds viewers that everyone needs a friend like Kev, while their daughter Macy says Sinfield is a real-life superhero. Rob’s mum, Irene, who first met Sinfield as a teenager, said she had called him ‘Sir Kev’ for many years.

As well as major sporting names, the documentary also features some of those living with MND and reveals how he has changed awareness. More than 5,000 people are living with the disease in the UK at any one time, and many of them and their families have supported Sinfield’s challenges. Some have joined Sir Kevin for a short distance as a way of showing support.